Ford SUV Buying Guide

Shopping for Ford SUVs

So you’re in the market for an SUV and Ford is your choice automaker. Well, Ford offers a variety of SUVs in its current lineup that suit different needs. Included in Ford’s offerings is one compact SUV, three midsize SUVs, and one large SUV.

No matter which Ford SUV you choose, expect that it will be able to carry at least five passengers with space to spare. If you need room for up to eight passengers, Ford can accommodate you. When it comes to moving cargo, all models have rear seats that fold down. All models also offer multiple trims, SYNC infotainment systems, and varied safety technology. A wide range of gasoline engines are available.

Aside from the 2016 Expedition ($45,435), base MSRP ranges from $23,600 to $31,160. Read on to figure out which Ford SUV is the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Escape

The 2017 Ford Escape, No. 3 in our compact SUV rankings, is the smallest of Ford’s SUV options. The Escape was refreshed for 2017, making it more competitive in the segment. New intuitive technology features and overall upgrades are present. The Escape now has SYNC Connect for smartphones and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The five-seater offers agile handling and a peppy 245-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine option. The base engine’s mediocre performance is exceeded by other similar vehicles' engines. Fuel economy is below-average with the base engine, but the turbocharged options are very fuel-efficient.

While the Escape has more-than-adequate space, other competitors have more. Safety and reliability ratings for the 2017 refresh are not in, but based on 2016 scores, the Escape’s safety ratings are lower than many other SUVs' ratings. Predicted reliability ratings are average. A base Escape starts at $23,600.

Edge

The 2016 Ford Edge, ranked No. 6 in midsize SUVs, is one of three Ford offerings in the category. As with the Escape, the base turbocharged four-cylinder engine is considered nominal when compared with the engines in similar vehicles. However, the aggressive Sport trim ($40,900) should not disappoint, boasting a 315-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine. The Edge’s responsive handling is also a treat. While an abundance of new technology is available, the vehicle’s center console is very basic. The SYNC 3 infotainment system and a myriad of high-end options are available.

The Edge accommodates five adults and is tied with the 2017 Ford Escape and several other models at No. 4 in SUVs with 2 rows. At a starting price of $28,700, the vehicle is a bit less expensive than most others in the class. Keep in mind that the SEL trim ($31,790) is the least-expensive trim that still offers many of the innovative technology features. The Edge has high ratings for safety and reliability.

Flex

The 2016 Ford Flex seats seven and is another offering in midsize SUVs, ranking No. 14. It ranks No. 15 in SUVs with 3 rows. Unlike in the Edge, the standard V6 engine provides adequate performance. However, for those looking for power, a 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine is available. Also worth mentioning is the responsive transmission and the smooth, refined ride quality.

Due to the vehicle’s unique shape and size, all three rows of seats are considered roomy for adults. Storage space is also above-average for the class. The 2016 model adds the optional SYNC 3 infotainment system and a standard rearview camera. Predicted reliability ratings are low, and many of the tech features are not available on less-expensive trims. A base Flex is $29,600.

Explorer

The 2016 Ford Explorer is one of our lowest-ranking midsize SUVs, at No. 15. It also ranks poorly in SUVs with 3 rows. Critics praise the fuel efficiency of the turbocharged four-cylinder and the power of the turbocharged V6. However, the seven-seater is cramped and uncomfortable, and the infotainment system is less-than-user-friendly.

While the base price is around $31,000, comparable to many competitors, most of the convenience and driver assistance features kick in at the $41,300 Limited trim level. A top-of-the-line Platinum trim is offered, but at over $50,000, it is more expensive than most of the competition.

The 290-horsepower V6 will suit most drivers just fine, but the new 280-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine is more efficient, while providing similar power. The 365-horsepower turbocharged V6 trumps many rival V8 engines along with offering better fuel economy. Predicted reliability scores are low.

The 2017 Explorer is now available and is much the same vehicle as the 2016 model, aside from an optional sport appearance package.

Expedition

The eight-passenger 2016 Ford Expedition ranks No. 4 out of 5 in our large SUV rankings and No. 15 in SUVs with 3 rows. Seats in all three rows are spacious for any adult. Cargo space is equally cavernous, especially in the extra-long (EL) model, which has best-in-class cargo space. Also, the massive 9,200-pound towing capacity is difficult to beat.

All of this comes with the downfalls of the Expedition’s enormous footprint. While the overall ride is smooth, handling and maneuvering can be a challenge. The vehicle comes equipped with a 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, regardless of trim.

The cabin lacks high-quality materials, and many rival vehicles offer more advanced safety features. Most rival large SUVs cost less, are easier to maneuver, and boast better fuel efficiency. A base Expedition costs about $46,000, with the top-of-the-line Platinum EL reaching about $66,000. The last major redesign of the Expedition came back in 2007. The 2017 Expedition is now available, though we haven't reviewed it yet. Ford plans to completely revamp the vehicle for the 2018 model year, and press reports note that it is a vehicle worth waiting for.

Conclusion

In terms of safety and reliability, the Edge takes the top spot. Both the 2017 Escape and the 2016 Edge scored 8.4/10 on our ratings scale, with the Escape ranking higher against the competition. However, both are smaller, five-seat vehicles. The Flex, Explorer, and Expedition all offer more passenger and cargo room, but none ranked well against the competition, with the Explorer receiving the lowest score of 7.8/10 and one of the lowest rankings in its class.